On the morning of January 6, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted Mr. Gill, who is the UN Deputy Secretary-General for Digital and Emerging Technologies as well as the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Technology.

Mr. Gill is on an official visit to Vietnam to strengthen international cooperation in key areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and innovation.

Vietnam’s commitment to technology and multilateralism

Prime Minister Chinh emphasized that Mr. Gill’s visit to Vietnam signifies the UN’s dedication to fostering global collaboration in technology development.

Vietnam, as a responsible member of the international community, places great importance on the UN's values, including multilateralism, peace, and sustainable development.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Vietnam’s strategic focus on science, technology, and innovation, identifying them as critical priorities for national growth. Key areas such as digital transformation, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, quantum technology, semiconductors, clean energy, and advanced materials are seen as new drivers of progress for the country.

UN highlights Vietnam’s role

Mr. Amandeep Singh Gill commended Vietnam’s increasing contributions to global advancements in science, technology, and AI.

He noted that his visit builds upon the outcomes of the UN Secretary-General's trip to Vietnam in 2022 and meetings with Vietnamese leaders at the Summit of the Future.

The Deputy Secretary-General emphasized the transformative potential of digital technology, describing it as a powerful tool for countries to achieve significant leaps forward. Vietnam, he noted, stands as a prime example of this potential.

The UN is actively working to promote international cooperation and governance in emerging technologies, particularly AI. Initiatives include the development of a Global Digital Compact to establish a comprehensive framework for managing digital and AI technologies worldwide. The UN is also facilitating the establishment of an AI governance policy forum to foster shared approaches, mutual learning, and global connectivity.

A pathway to global influence

Deputy Secretary-General Gill observed that Vietnam is on the path to becoming a global power and expressed hope for its active participation in UN initiatives.

He encouraged Vietnam’s tech enterprises to contribute to domestic economic and social development while also addressing global challenges, especially in developing countries, through enhanced South-South cooperation.

Prime Minister Chinh affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to serve as a host or co-organizer of international events aimed at fostering multilateral collaboration in technology and AI, including hosting the proposed AI governance policy forum.

Additionally, the Prime Minister called on the UN to support Vietnam in establishing legal frameworks and international standards for technology governance. He also requested assistance in technology transfer, financial resources, and capacity-building for Vietnam’s workforce, particularly in the field of AI.

Tran Thuong